Empowerment-focused philanthropy: Bridging feminist theories and organizational practices through US women's funds

This study explores how US women's foundations and funds incorporate feminist empowerment theories into their grant-making and organizational practices. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical constructs of feminist empowerment and its practical application within philanthropic organizations. Drawing on an examination of feminist and development literature on women's empowerment, along with a survey of over 200 women's funds, the findings reveal alignment and disconnects between empowerment theories and the actual work of these philanthropic entities.